Christmas was not created as a pagan holiday.
The True History of Christmas: Origins, Meaning, and Why It Is Celebrated on December 25
Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Although the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus’ birth, the Church set aside a specific day to honor this event.
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, observed by billions of people across different cultures and nations. While many associate Christmas with gifts, family gatherings, and festive decorations, its roots are deeply grounded in Christian history and theology. Here we will explore the true history of Christmas, the origin of its name, why it is celebrated on December 25, and how cultural influences shaped its celebration over time.
What Does the Word “Christmas” Mean?
The word Christmas comes from the Old English term Crīstesmæsse, which means “Christ’s Mass.” A Mass is a Christian worship service—particularly in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions—where believers gather to pray, read Scripture, and celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) in remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ.
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Over time, the phrase “Christ’s Mass” was shortened in common usage to Christmas, the name now universally used for the festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
A popular tradition in many Christian churches is the Midnight Mass held on Christmas Eve. While this practice is ancient, it is important to clarify a common misunderstanding:
The ‘Christ-Mass’ service was allowed to take place after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so people had it at Midnight!
The tradition developed because early Christians symbolically associated the birth of Christ with light coming into darkness, reflecting biblical imagery such as “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).
Thus, celebrating Christmas at midnight became a powerful spiritual symbol rather than a legal or ritual requirement.
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Over centuries, Christmas has grown into both a religious celebration and a global cultural holiday, embraced even by many non-Christians as a time of goodwill, generosity, and family unity.
Why Is Christmas Celebrated on December 25?
The choice of December 25 dates back to the early 4th century, when the Western Christian Church formally recognized it as the feast day of Christ’s birth.
There are two main historical explanations for this date:
- Theological Calculation: Early Christians believed that Jesus was conceived on March 25, the same date associated with the annunciation to Mary. Counting nine months forward leads to December 25, aligning Christ’s conception and birth with divine symbolism.
- Symbolic and Cultural Context: December 25 falls close to the winter solstice, a time when days begin to grow longer. Christians connected this with Jesus as the “Light of the World” and the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2).
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While some Roman festivals existed around this time, Christmas was not created as a pagan holiday. Rather, Christianity re-centered the season around Christ, even as some cultural customs were later absorbed.
Most Christians today celebrate Christmas on December 25 using the Gregorian calendar, which is the civil calendar used worldwide.
However, some Eastern Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar, where December 25 corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. This difference is due to calendar systems, not disagreement about Jesus or Christmas itself.
The Twelve Days of Christmas and Church Tradition
In 567 AD, the Council of Tours declared the period between December 25 and January 6 (Epiphany) as a single festive season known as Christmastide. This gave rise to the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas, which remains significant in many Christian liturgical traditions today.
Early Historical Evidence of Christmas
One of the earliest written records of Christmas appears in the Chronography of 354 AD, which confirms that Christians in Rome were celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25.
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From Rome, the celebration gradually spread to Antioch by the late 4th century, and to Alexandria by the 5th century
Earlier Eastern Christian communities had initially celebrated Jesus’ birth alongside Epiphany on January 6, showing how traditions developed organically across regions.
Did Christmas Absorb Pagan Elements?
While the date of Christmas itself is Christian in origin, some later cultural traditions—such as feasting, gift-giving, and decorations—were influenced by local customs where Christianity spread.
It is important to distinguish between the core meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Christ, and Cultural expressions, which evolved over time.
Conclusion
The history of Christmas is rich, meaningful, and deeply rooted in Christian faith. Far from being a random or purely cultural celebration, Christmas emerged from early Christian theology, symbolism, and worship. While traditions have evolved across centuries and cultures, the heart of Christmas remains the same: the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope, light, and salvation Christians believe He brought into the world.
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What Does The Bible Really Say About Celebrating Christmas?
Last modified: December 26, 2025
Plain Truth About Christmas
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Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1946 edition, has this:
“Christmas (i.e., the Mass of Christ) …. Christmas was not
among the earliest festivals of the church …. ” It was not
instituted by Christ or the apostles, or by Bible authority. It
was picked up afterward from paganism.
Jesus was not even born in the winter season! When the
Christ-child was born “there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock
by night” (Luke 2:8). This never could have occurred in
Judaea in the month of December. The shepherds always
brought their flocks from the mountainsides and fields and
corralled them not later than October 15, to protect them
from the cold, rainy season that followed that date. Notice
that the Bible itself proves, in Song of Solomon 2:11 and Ezra
10:9, 13, that winter was a rainy season not permitting
shepherds to abide in open fields at night.
“How much the date of the festival depended upon the pagan
Brumalia (Dec. 25) following the Saturnalia (Dec. 17-24), and
celebrating the shortest day of the year and the ‘new
sun’
We may call it by another name, but it’s the
same old pagan sun-worshipping festival still! The only
change is in what we call it!
December 25th is not the birthday of Jesus the true
Christ! The apostles and early true Church never celebrated
Christ’s birthday at any time. There is no command or
instruction to celebrate it in the Bible-rather, the celebrat
ing of birthdays is a pagan, not a Christian custom, believe it
or not!